Modular block

ABSTRACT

Modular block ( 10, 10′, 10″ ) for civil works, comprising a base body ( 11 ), a plurality of structural protrusions ( 12 ) that develop from the base body ( 11 ) according to a matrix configuration and interconnecting means ( 14 ) to blocks ( 10, 10′, 10″ ) belonging to the same modular system. Around the structural protrusions ( 12 ) there is some space (S 1,  S 2 ) suitable for defining channels (C) for the arrangement of material and/or for the passage and/or the standing of liquids and/or air. These channels (C) are formed by coupling or arranging side by side of blocks ( 10, 10′, 10″ ) belonging to the same modular system.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a United States National Phase application of International Application PCT/IT2010/000056 and claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 of Italian patent application FI2009A000031 filed Feb. 19, 2009, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of construction systems for civil works, and more in particular it refers to a modular block for civil works, particularly but not exclusively useful in the production of subgrades. The present invention also relates to a composable modular system for civil works using the aforesaid block.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

When it is necessary to produce a civil structure such as pavement or the like which requires a subgrade that guarantees a certain static load capacity, a combination of structures are generally used, which can be constructed in different materials, such as lime, concrete, reinforced concrete, metals, artificial or natural stone material, plastic materials.

In addition to the aforesaid static load capacity, subgrades are often also required to have capacities of drainage and aeration and characteristics of lightness.

Typical subgrades are produced through the creation of several layers of stone materials of different type, which allow drainage but do not guarantee static load capacity or any necessary aeration of the subgrade structure.

Other subgrades are produced with artificial structures, such as car tires or bricks of various materials. The former allow drainage and any necessary aeration of the subgrade, but do not have a high static load capacity, while the latter can adequately support the loads above but do not allow optimal drainage or adequate aeration.

Moreover, none of these types of subgrade adapt well to being combined with other structures, such as piping, electricity conduits, electro welded mesh for producing layers of concrete, etc.

Further, these types of subgrade are particularly onerous in terms of installation times, both in the case of layers of stone material (the arrangement of which requires a certain experience in the distribution of the material and use of suitable machinery for compaction), and in the case of the use of bricks (which are generally heavy and poorly aggregated except simply by placing side by side).

There are known modules or artificial blocks that in combination with one another allow walls or side retaining banks for slopes, embankments, etc., or actual artificial surface banks for the growth of vegetation. These types of modules are, for example, described in the patents U.S. Pat. No. 6,543,969 and WO 03/076727. These modules have the sole function of laterally containing the forces of an embankment or as support for the growth of vegetation and cannot therefore be used as subgrades, as they do not have adequate structural and functional characteristics.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is to provide a modular block for civil works that solves the aforesaid drawbacks and, more in particular, that is capable of being assembled with similar blocks in a simple and rapid way and that adapts well to other structures to be arranged or produced in the installation site.

Another important object of the present invention is to produce a modular block for civil works that allows optimal drainage if used as subgrade and that has characteristics of aeration.

These and other objects, which shall be more apparent below, are achieved with a modular block for civil works, which comprises a base body, at least one structural protrusion that develops from the base body and interconnecting means to blocks belonging to the same modular system. Around this structural protrusion there is some space designed for defining a part of a channel for the arrangement of material and/or for the passage and/or the standing of liquids and/or air; this channel forms by coupling or arranging side by side of blocks belonging to the same modular system.

Preferably, the base body has a substantially flat supporting surface and the structural protrusion develops substantially in the opposite direction to this supporting surface and orthogonal thereto. The same block can be use turned over, that is, with the end face of the structural protrusion acting as supporting plane.

When the block is arranged in place, the structural protrusion develops substantially upward, preferably according to a vertical direction. The channel defined around the protrusion is thus substantially horizontal.

Interconnection between modular blocks preferably occurs according to an interconnecting direction concordant with the direction of development of the structural protrusion.

Preferably, the modular block comprises at least two structural protrusions spaced from each other for delimiting space defining opposite portions of the part of channel

With a structure of this type, the block according to the invention allows composition of complex structures that are: a) particularly stable due to the presence of interconnecting means, b) resistant to high loads due to the structural protrusions and, c) provided with characteristics of aeration and drainage due to the combination of protrusions which, one close to the other, define one or preferably more channels. Besides the circulation of air and passage of water, these channels also allow any necessary arrangement of reinforcing material, the arrangement of hydraulic piping or electricity conduits, the arrangement of electro welded mesh and of yet other structures.

Advantageously, the invention also comprises a composable modular system for civil work structures, comprising one or more modules formed by one or more modular blocks according to the description above; these modules vary from one another in the number of structural protrusions. The modules can be composed according to a side by side arrangement of the base bodies of the blocks and/or superimposition of further blocks so as to couple the lower modules to the upper ones according to a vertical direction; a layer of side by side modules can be coupled at the top with further modules according to a stacked arrangement, that is, upper modules lined up on lower modules, or according to a key arrangement, that is, upper modules overlapped astride of a pair of lower modules, thus guaranteeing a side connection between portions of the block structure. Between adjacent structural protrusions either of the same block or of side by side blocks the aforesaid channels are defined, in which it is possible to insert, for example, filling material, structural material associated with an electro welded mesh, or piping, etc. Moreover, in these channels (in practice preferably a network of channels that intersect one another) air or water can circulate.

In a preferred embodiment, the composable modular system comprises a first module formed of a block with quadrangular base and four structural protrusions arranged according to a matrix 2×2 and a second module formed of a block with quadrangular base and sixteen structural protrusions arranged according to a matrix 4×4, the channels delimitated between the protrusions being defined for each layer of blocks according to a network of branches crossed with one another.

According to a particularly advantageous use of the invention, the block is used as subgrade, that is, as a block suitable to be arranged in place under the level of the ground or of the pavement, that is, so that when it is arranged in place, on its vertical it has other blocks, soil or pavement completely superimposed on the block.

The various features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and specific objects attained by its uses, reference is made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is an axonometric ¾ top view of a first block according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view of the block of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the block of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a front view of a portion, partially sectional, of structure formed by blocks as in FIG. 1, coupled with one another;

FIG. 5 is an axonometric ¾ top view of a plurality of second blocks according to the invention, belonging to the same modular system as the block shown in the preceding figures, coupled to one another;

FIG. 6 is a side view of the plurality of coupled blocks of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of a second block represented in FIGS. 5 and 6;

FIG. 8 is an axonometric ¾ top view of a third block according to the invention, belonging to the same modular system as the blocks shown in the preceding figures;

FIG. 9 is a bottom plan view of the block of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a sectional front view of the block of FIG. 8;

FIGS. 11 to 15 are five schematic views of examples of installation of blocks according to the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference to FIGS. 1 to 4 cited above, a first example of modular block according to the invention is indicated as a whole with 10.

In the examples below, the block is used as subgrade, that is, as block suitable for being installed under the level of the ground or of the pavement. In practice, when the block is arranged in place it has on its vertical other blocks, soil or pavement, completely superimposed on the block (see in particular FIGS. 11 to 15).

The block has a base body 11, with a square base shape, formed by a flat central portion 11A and four side ledges 11B which develop from the periphery of the central portion 11A in a direction substantially orthogonal thereto, in practice defining the side edge of the base body 11.

Structural protrusions 12 (four in this example) develop from the flat central portion 11A, in the same direction of development of the ledges 11B. In particular, these protrusion 12 are arranged on the base body 11 according to a matrix configuration 2×2.

According to a particularly advantageous block structure, each structural protrusion is formed by a central turret 12A and stiffening side bastions 12B arranged on opposite sides of the turret. More in particular, the turret presents a substantially square base section and the bastions 12B are in practice pillar-like bodies produced in the four corner portions of the turret 12A. As is visible from the figures, the end face of each protrusion 12 is substantially flat and parallel to the flat central portion 11A.

The block 10 consists of a shell in a single piece made of a molded plastic material. The shell structure, that is, a non massive structure that develops mainly inside a given interval of thickness, allows the weight of the block to be significantly limited, without prejudice to the structural strength, in the direction of development of the protrusions 12.

This shell structure of the block of the example being described is also provided with a cavity 12C defined inside each protrusion 12 and open at the flat central portion 11A. Each protrusion is in practice a bowl-like body with edges integral with the base body 11. The bowl-like body is flared, thus allowing vertical stacking of blocks for storage thereof (structural protrusions that are arranged inside the cavities of protrusions above). It is noted that also the bastions 12B are not massive in thickness. As is visible in all the figures, the protrusions 12 develop orthogonal to the flat central portion 11A, which acts as support for the module or for blocks that can be superimposed thereon (see for example FIGS. 4, 11-15). When in place, the block is preferably arranged so that the flat portion 11A is substantially horizontal and the protrusions 12 are substantially vertical.

To increase the rigidity of the structural protrusions 12, stiffening ribs 11C are arranged between the ledges 11B of the base body 11 and the sides of the protrusions facing these ledges. Analogous ribs 11C′ are also arranged between the sides of the protrusions, in their base area.

As is clearly visible from the figures, between the side edge 11B of the base body 11 and the sides of the structural protrusions close to the side edge there is some space, indicated with S1. More in particular, according to an advantageous embodiment, the transverse width of said space S1, that is, the distance between the side ledges 11B defining the side edge of the base body 11 and the side of each protrusion 12 closest to this side edge, is substantially equal to half the distance S2 between two adjacent structural protrusions 12 for defining part of said channel (in this way, as will be more apparent below, when two blocks are placed side by side, the distance between the protrusions of one block will be equal to the distance between the boundary protrusions of the two blocks, as is visible in FIG. 4).

In practice, as better described below, more in general around the structural protrusions 12 there is some space S1/S2 which, when several blocks are arranged side by side to one another (and if necessary stacked, as described below), defines channels C useful for the arrangement of material and/or for the passage and/or the standing of liquids and/or air. It is understood that in each block 10, each pair of side by side protrusions 12 defines opposite portions of a part of a channel. These channels C are delimitated by sides of the structural protrusions, so that they are also formed between the outer protrusions of two blocks when these are arranged side by side.

The matrix distribution of the structural protrusions 12 ensures that once the blocks are arranged side by side, a network of channels that cross one another orthogonally is formed.

As the block is arranged in place according to a horizontal development, that is, with the flat supporting portion 11A arranged horizontally, the channels C are substantially horizontal.

To make a structure formed by blocks 10 cohere better, these are provided with interconnecting means 14 to analogous blocks or different blocks, albeit belonging to the same modular system.

As is apparent from the figures, interconnection between modular blocks preferably takes place according to an interconnecting direction concordant to the direction of development of the structural protrusions 12, that is, according to a coupling direction between blocks parallel to the direction of development of the protrusions.

These interconnecting means 14 comprise, for example, for each structural protrusion 12, an alternating series of holes 15A and appendices 15B that develops, at the face of the flat central portion 11A opposite the one from which the protuberances 12 develop, around the axis of development of this protrusion (12). More in particular, in this example, this series is provided with two holes 15A and two appendices 15B arranged alternating at the corners of the edge of the cavities 12C of the protrusion 12. As is clearly visible in FIG. 4, the appendices 15B of a first block are designed for coupling with the holes 15A of series of appendices and holes present on the further blocks of the same modular system arranged turned over with respect to the first.

In the embodiment of the block according to the invention, the blocks of the same modular system are coupled along the direction of the axes of the protrusions 12 to create structures of blocks in “layers” in which the blocks of each layer are turned over through 180° with respect to the blocks of the adjacent layers.

The aforesaid series of holes 15A and appendices 15B allow coupling of two blocks arranged opposite each other with the faces of the base bodies 11 that are one on top of the other.

The interconnecting means 14 also comprise means that allow coupling of the blocks according to a direction opposite that allowed by the series of holes/appendices 15A 15B. In particular, these means comprise, on the end face of each structural protrusion 12, a bore hole 16A or a protuberance 16B of a shape suitable for coupling with a seat equal to the bore hole 16A.

The arrangement of the bore-holes/protuberances 16A/16B on the ends of the structural protrusions is alternated, in the sense that two side by side structural protrusions have a bore hole and a protuberance respectively. An example of coupling is shown in FIG. 4. In practice, in coupling with a further block of the same modular system, the protuberance 16B or the bore hole 16A of said interconnecting means 14 of a first block are suitable for coupling respectively with a bore hole 16A or a protuberance 16B present on the end face of the structural protrusions of the further block arranged turned over with respect to the first. It is noted how the bore holes 16A also allow drainage of any liquids that infiltrate the cavities 12C (it is understood that other drainage holes for liquids can also be provided).

As stated, the blocks 10 can be mutually composed according to a side by side arrangement of the base bodies 11 and by superimposition of further blocks so as to couple the lower blocks with the upper ones by interconnection according to a vertical direction (with reference to the accompanying drawings, it being possible also to compose them on inclined or parallel planes with respect to the vertical).

More in particular, a layer of side by side blocks 10 can be coupled at the top with further blocks 10 according to a stacked arrangement, that is, upper blocks perfectly lined up on lower blocks, obviously with opposite orientation with respect to each other, as is visible in FIGS. 12, 14 and 15.

Alternatively to the stacked arrangement, the upper blocks can be arranged on the lower blocks according to a key arrangement, that is, with upper blocks overlapped astride of a pair of lower blocks, as is visible in FIGS. 4 and 13. The key arrangement allows the block structure also to be connected in transverse direction.

It is understood that variants of the blocks described above can include side interconnecting means of side by side blocks, such as interlocking couplings or simple male/female insertion.

Moreover, more in general, variants of the block described above can, for example, concern the shape of the protrusions and of the base body so that blocks can be coupled vertically with one another without turning over the upper blocks. Obviously, also other variants of shape can be included, for example both with regard to the protrusions (which must however remain “structural”, that is, form an integral part of the structure of the block so that it can adequately withstand compressive loads and simultaneously define parts of said channels). Other variants can concern the shape and the dimensions of the base body 11 and the number of structural protrusions.

For example, FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 show a second block analogous to the one described previously, indicated as a whole with 10′. This second block varies with respect to the first in dimensions and in the number of structural protrusions (for simplicity, the reference numbers of the components of this second block 10′ are the same as the first block 10). The base body 11 has a square shape with side dimensions double those of the first block 10 and has sixteen protrusions 12 arranged according to a matrix configuration 4×4. In practice, this second modular block 10′ corresponds to four side by side blocks 10 to form a square. In particular, it is noted how three second blocks connected in a key arrangement are present in FIGS. 5 and 6. Further, FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 show a third block 10″ composed of a single structural protrusion 12. The base body 11 has a square shape with sides half the dimensions with respect to the dimensions of the first block 10, that is, this first block 10 corresponds to four side by side third blocks 10″ according to a square arrangement. It is noted how, preferably, the third block 10″ has only the hole bore 16A (which also acts as a drain for water) as interconnecting means, but it could also have only the protuberance 16B. It is obvious that variants of the same block 10″ can include the appendices/holes 15B/15A around the cavity 12C, on the flat portion 11A.

In practice, the three modular blocks 10′, 10″ and 10″′ described form the modules of a composable modular system for civil work structures. The modular nature is in practice given by the equivalence of the distance between centers of the structural protrusions of the various modules, which are constant, and by the proportionality present between the sides of these modules and, obviously, by correspondence of the interconnecting means.

It is understood that a modular system of this kind can also comprise modules of different dimensions, for example with a configuration with an odd number of protrusions (3×3 or 5×5 and relative multiples). Any variants of modules can also comprise base bodies of a shape other than square, for example rectangular, with matrix arrangement (for example 2×1, 3×2, 2×4, etc.). Further, although the quadrangular shape is considered the most advantageous in terms of easy installation, the shape of the base bodies of other modules can, for example be different, it being possible to provide regular polygonal shapes with a number of sides according to requirements. Obviously, the base bodies can also be of particular shapes, such as L-shaped or T-shaped, in the case of particular compositional requirements.

The uses of blocks such as those described are many. For example, FIGS. 11, 12 and 13 show an application relative to the production of a subgrade for pavements at the side of the base B of a mast for lighting or other purposes. In particular, FIG. 11 shows a structure incorporated in the ground T and formed by a first layer of sand, a layer of side by side blocks 10, an electro welded mesh R arranged between the networks of channels C defined by the protrusions 12, a casting of concrete G in the channels C to incorporate at the top the blocks 10 and the mesh R and a surface pavement P.

FIG. 12 shows an application for pavements similar to that described, in which the materials are substantially the same, but in which the structure of the blocks 10 consists of two superimposed layers, in which the upper layer is produced by stacking the upper blocks turned over on the lower blocks, with mating of appendices 16B and bore holes 16A. In this case the channels C are delimitated also at the top by the upper layer. In this example, two electro welded meshes R are arranged in the channels C.

FIG. 13 shows a pavement analogous to the one of the previous figures, in which the layers of blocks are three. The first two from the bottom are interconnected with stacked arrangement, while the third top layer is interconnected with the second with a key arrangement. It is noted how single blocks 10″ are arranged at the ends of the second layer of blocks 10, as closure. Finally, it is noted how, in this structure, the channels formed consist of two networks of channels staggered in height.

FIG. 14 shows an application of the modules to an embankment structure, for example usable as acoustic barrier. In this case the blocks 10 are arranged in layers to produce a pyramid configuration. In this case the embankment consists of blocks 10, of stabilized material M arranged around the blocks 10 and in the channels C defined therebetween, and of a top layer of soil T.

FIG. 15 shows a basin I produced by excavation which is filled with a block structure 10 surrounded at the periphery by stabilized material M and covered at the top with soil T so that the basin is closed but can still fill up with water that filters from the ground and finds space in the channels C defined between the protrusions 12 which, in this configuration, are not filled with any structural or filling material. The basin is thus totally safe, as the closing part can be walked on, in view of the adequate static load capacity of the blocks.

As is visible in the figures, the channels C that are formed between two superimposed blocks are in practice tunnels, that is, closed at the top by the upper block, while when the blocks are used not superimposed, the channels C are “open” at the top.

It is understood that structures formed by these blocks can be used, for example, to produce aerated pavements, French drains, etc.

In general, in all the sectors in which it is necessary to produce aerated pavements of different heights, capable of containing distribution networks of the normal services, which can be assembled rapidly, have considerable static load capacity, low cost and are very light, they can be produced with these blocks/modules. Practical examples of these sectors are:

ventilated and raised civil and industrial pavements; hanging gardens; natural acoustic barriers; closing of excavation quarries; production of road subgrades; natural access ramps for superelevations; production of the bed for highly draining soccer fields and tennis courts; coverings for sealing earth retaining walls; pavement and coverings of tanks and basins for rainwater collection; floating wharves; cycle and pedestrian pavements.

Some technical characteristics of some examples of blocks/modules are the following:

a module with sides measuring 300 mm by 300 mm and with a height of 250 mm, average thickness of 5 mm, with a single structural protrusion and weighing around 2 kg; a module with sides measuring 600 mm by 600 mm and with a height of 250 mm, average thickness of 5 mm, with four structural protrusions arranged in a matrix 2×2 and weighing around 9.6 kg; a module with sides measuring 1200 mm by 1200 mm and with a height of 250 mm, average thickness of 5 mm, with sixteen structural protrusions arranged in a matrix 4×4 and weighing around 32/34 kg.

As stated, the aforesaid modules can be assembled in all ways, in a key arrangement and otherwise, also between modules of different sizes, to produce pavements with maximum optimization and achieve excellent vertical and lateral stability, by means of the interconnecting elements.

These modules can be integrated by accessories, which grant total completion for their use in the various sectors mentioned, so that each application can be completely implemented, for example electricity conduits, hydraulic piping, electro welded meshes, accessories for irrigation, housings for electromechanical components of gates, sensors of various nature, etc.

An important aspect of the blocks/modules is linked to the weight, which is considerably lower than all types of raw materials currently used for structures with analogous function. However, this low weight does not preclude the static load capacity, which remains more than sufficient for the uses. The use of plastic materials has enabled the reduction of weights, while the idea of producing a base with protrusions that act as structural support has allowed an adequate static load capacity to be maintained. As a result of the very low weight (−5% /−10% of conventional stone materials, such as concrete, sand, stabilized material, etc.) the invention allows transport and installation costs that are greatly below conventional costs.

The considerable static load capacity given to the modules is also a result of a structuring of the protrusions of the type with tapered pillar (the turret 12A), reinforced at the corners with a double rib. This structuring also allows stacking of the modules, and an optimal balanced position of the injection nozzles for injection molding of the blocks (nozzles at the ends of the protrusions). The term “conical” is intended as a flared/tapered body.

These truncated cone shaped protrusions connect the primary and secondary laying surfaces, with numerous side 11C and central 11C′ stiffening ribs. The primary laying surfaces are reinforced by a high bound 11B of 80 mm, well fastened to the protrusions by the aforesaid ribs.

A practical example relative to three modules of the dimensions indicated above provides for the use of plastic materials mixed with aggregates that produce elastic moduli comprised between 600 Mp-870 Mp (mean values), compressive strengths equal to 1.2 Kg/mm2-1.5 Kg/mm2, tensile strength 0.8 Kg/mm2-1.2 Kg/mm2. Overall, for the three blocks described the static load capacity is equal to

−300×300 mm: 5 Ton;

−600×600 mm: 15 Ton;

−1,200×1,200 mm: 45 Ton.

Cavities and centering protrusions (the interconnecting means) are produced in the two laying surfaces (base body and ends of the protrusions), so as to allow connection in all directions, centered and in a key arrangement, to allow embankments also in superimposed, stable and compact layers. In the first laying surfaces (base body), the centering tips are of small dimensions and pointed, so that they can easily penetrate and fasten to the laying surface.

The entire pavement, even if in layers, discharges all the weight onto the truncated-cone shaped pillars (protrusions), as in any type of assembly these elements are always aligned with the load and with constant spacing of 300 mm, with reference to the dimensional example give above).

Again with reference to these dimensional examples, the modules have a taper of 10/250 mm, with truncated ribs, 100 mm in height, that allow them to be stacked with the same overall dimensions, resting thereon to prevent blocking of the tapers and making them extremely easy to pick-up and handle, either manually and automatically.

The laying surfaces of the modules, primary (base body) and secondary (upper end of the protrusions) are provided with holes for the purpose of allowing discharge of water, which would accumulate in these areas. The holes can be excluded, in all those cases in which couplings require to be water tight (by welding) for floating (floating wharves).

The composition of the pavements, in whatever way it takes place, gives rise to internal cavities orthogonal to one another and continuous, passing from one end to the other, to allow the insertion of construction reinforcements for concrete castings, considerably lightened, but highly stable.

The internal cavities also allow laying of piping and electricity conduits, both during installation and subsequently, so that the supply of normal domestic and industrial services can be produced in the ground and road embankments can, during their production, be provided with the lighting systems and piping for water and gas networks.

With the production of the half element (300×600) and (600×1,200), it is possible to produce pavements with vertical ends in a block, so as to be able to produce housings for prefabricated lighting points, actual ducts to house pipes and bundles of dimensions greater than 80 mm and heights of 250-500-750 mm.

By inserting appropriate inserts into the molds, the modules can be molded with reinforced holes for the insertion, according to application, of supports, quick couplings, ties for wall fixing, spacers, etc, for road signs, guard rails, jersey barriers, supports for cables and pipes.

In the case of subgrades of road embankments, the layering of these modules can have very low compression yields, so that after preloading, formed by the paving, by the road surface, by concrete structured castings, etc., these maintain a constant level in time, so as to avoid the undesirable steps that can be noted in the joints of embankments produced with conventional stone materials with continuous consolidation.

Due to the use of plastic materials, the effect of capillarity present in all stone materials (sands, clays, etc.) is avoided, thereby preventing dampness from rising to the pavements.

These subgrades or pavements have optimal performances in general, but in particular when the ground has poor static load capacities, i.e. is very soft and uneven, also because the rigid layers spread the load better and more regularly on the laying surface.

In relation to the description above, the modular system according to the invention can also be provided with accessories such as steps, access ramps, pedestrian crossings, axial expansion joints for structures subject to expansion, vessels for side drainage of rainwater, drainage wells, etc., all interconnectable with the modules/blocks described above.

While specific embodiments of the invention have been described in detail to illustrate the application of the principles of the invention, it will be understood that the invention may be embodied otherwise without departing from such principles. 

1. A modular block for civil works, comprising: a base body; at least one structural protrusion that develops from said base body; and interconnecting means to blocks belonging to a same modular system, around said at least one structural protrusion there being at least partially some space designed for defining a part of a channel for the arrangement of material and/or for the passage and/or the standing of liquids and/or air, said channel forming by coupling or arranging side by side of blocks belonging to the same modular system, wherein said block consists of a shell in a single piece made of a molded plastic material.
 2. A block according to claim 1, wherein at least two said structural protrusions are spaced from each other for delimiting space defining opposite portions of said part of channel.
 3. A block according to claim 2, wherein a plurality of structural protrusions are spaced from each other for delimiting in pairs a space defining respective opposite portions of parts of channels, said structural protrusions being distributed according to a matrix distribution.
 4. A block according to claim 3, wherein four structural protrusions or sixteen structural protrusions are provided.
 5. A block according to claim 2, wherein between a side edge of said base body and the side of a structural protrusion close to said side edge there is some space for defining a part of said channel. 6-7. (canceled)
 8. A block according to claim 1, wherein said at least one structural protrusion develops from a face of said base body and has a cavity therein open on the opposite face of said base body.
 9. A block according to claim 8, wherein said at least one structural protrusion has a central turret and side bastions arranged on opposite sides of said turret.
 10. A block according to claim 8, wherein the side edge of said base body is composed of side ledges that go up in the same development direction as said at least one structural protrusion, between said at least one protrusion and at least one of said ledges there being stiffening ribs.
 11. A block according to claim 1, wherein at least one through bore hole for liquid discharge is provided on the end face of said at least one structural protrusion.
 12. A block according to claim 1, wherein: said interconnecting means comprises, on the face of said base body opposite that of development of said at least one structural protrusion, at least an alternating series of holes and appendices that develops around the axis of development of said structural protrusion; in a coupling with further blocks of a same modular system, the appendices of said interconnecting means of a first block are designed for coupling with the holes of said series of appendices and holes present on the further blocks arranged turned over with respect to the first one.
 13. A block according to claim 3, wherein: said interconnecting means comprises, on the end face of said at least one structural protrusion, a bore hole or a shape protuberance suitable for coupling with a seat equal to said bore hole; in a coupling with a further block of a same modular system, the protuberance or the hole of said interconnecting means of a first block is suitable for reciprocally coupling with a bore hole or a protuberance present on the end face of the structural protrusion of the further block arranged turned over with respect to the first one.
 14. A block according to claim 13, wherein on two adjacent structural protrusions there are a protuberance and a bore hole respectively.
 15. A composable modular system for civil work structures, comprising: one or more modules formed of one or more modular blocks, said one or more modular blocks comprising a base body, at least one structural protrusion that develops from said base body and an interconnecting means to blocks belonging to the same modular system, around said at least one structural protrusion there being at least partially some space designed for defining a part of a channel for the arrangement of material and/or for the passage and/or the standing of liquids and/or air, said channel forming by coupling or arranging side by side of blocks belonging to the same modular system, wherein said block comprises a shell in a single piece made of a molded plastic material, said modules varying from one another by number of structural protrusions, said modules being composed according to a side by side arrangement of the base bodies of the blocks and/or superimposition of further blocks so as to couple the lower modules to the upper ones by interconnection according to a vertical direction, a layer of side by side modules being capable of being coupled at the top with further modules according to a stacked arrangement comprising upper modules lined up on lower modules or according to a key arrangement comprising upper modules overlapped astride of a pair of lower modules, between adjacent structural protrusions either of a same block or of side by side blocks there being defined said channels for the arrangement of material and/or for the passage and/or the standing of liquids and/or air.
 16. (canceled)
 17. A process, comprising: providing a modular block, said modular block comprising a base body, at least one structural protrusion that develops from said base body and an interconnecting means to blocks belonging to a same modular system, around said at least one structural protrusion there being at least partially some space designed for defining a part of a channel for the arrangement of material and/or for the passage and/or the standing of liquids and/or air, said channel forming by coupling or arranging side by side of blocks belonging to the same modular system, wherein said block comprises a shell in a single piece made of a molded plastic material; using said modular block as subgrade to be arranged in place under the level of the ground or pavement, that is, when arranged in place, having one or more of the following on its vertical: (i) one or more blocks, (ii) soil, (iii) pavement, that are completely superimposed on the block.
 18. A block according to claim 3, wherein between a side edge of said base body and the side of a structural protrusion close to said side edge there is some space for defining a part of said channel
 19. A block according to claim 18, wherein a distance between the side edge of said base body and the side of a structural protrusion close to said side edge is substantially equal to half the distance between two adjacent structural protrusions.
 20. A block according to claim 3, wherein: said interconnecting means comprises, on the face of said base body opposite that of development of said at least one structural protrusion, at least an alternating series of holes and appendices that develops around the axis of development of said structural protrusion; in a coupling with further blocks of a same modular system, the appendices of said interconnecting means of a first block are designed for coupling with the holes of said series of appendices and holes present on the further blocks arranged turned over with respect to the first one. 